Carlo Ancelotti lamented Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Atletico in the Madrid derby on Saturday, admitting that the performance was “bad” and the players “have
to improve.” A solitary goal from on-fire Diego Costa was all Diego Simeone’s men needed to snatch all three points, as Atleti absorbed pressure well and
looked quick and dangerous on the counterattack.

“We conceded the goal at the start, the match became complicated and we lost confidence,” Ancelotti said during the post-game
press conference. “The start of the season has been good and we’ve been playing well, but in the last two matches have been bad. We have to fix it with a better attitude, more
concentration and with clearer ideas.”

The former Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach added: “We have won the other games and drawn against Villarreal, and started well
in the Champions League. It is true that we are five points behind, but the league season is long and we have time to cut the gap.”

Star striker Cristiano Ronaldo told Marca: "It wasn't our day. We weren't on. The coach has
nothing to do with it. He is doing a great job. The fault is on the players, we are the ones that have to improve.” He added: "We have to keep our heads up because the league is complicated. The
good thing is that this loss has come early. I have a lot of hope for winning something important this year. I played poorly and so did my teammates.”